No. 8 Gamecocks help kick off college season

Look beyond campus for the big games this weekend: College football's season-opening extravaganza features four marquee matchups in NFL stadiums.

RALPH D. RUSSO

Look beyond campus for the big games this weekend: College football's season-opening extravaganza features four marquee matchups in NFL stadiums.

No. 1 Florida State begins defense of its national championship against Oklahoma State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the billion dollar home of Dallas Cowboys — and the first College Football Playoff title game.

Atlanta was at the forefront the growing trend for neutral-site games, with ESPN helping to play match-maker. As teams try to fortify their schedules without signing up for too many home-and-home series that require true road games, neutral site matchups and the paydays they offer to both teams have become even more appealing.

"This format of kickoff games is only going to expand," said Gary Stokan, president and CEO of the Chick-fil-A Bowl Peach Bowl.

Charlotte, North Carolina, is getting into the act starting next season when South Carolina and North Carolina play at the home of the NFL's Panthers. West Virginia and Tennessee are slated to play at Bank of America Stadium in 2018. Orlando, Florida, hopes to join the crowd in 2016 after the Citrus Bowl is reconstructed.

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The picks:

MAIN EVENTS

No. 21 Texas A&M (plus 10½) at No. 9 South Carolina, Thursday night

Over/under on times Johnny Manziel is mentioned during SEC Network's first game: 5 ... SOUTH CAROLINA 38-24.

No. 13 LSU (minus 5) vs. No. 14 Wisconsin at Houston, Saturday

The Leonard Fournette era begins at LSU as Tigers get a chance show off their new star tailback on a national stage ... LSU 24-17.

No. 16 Clemson (plus 7½) at No. 12 Georgia, Saturday

Last year the Tigers were too tough in Death Valley. Between the hedges, Dawgs try to have their day ... CLEMSON 27-24.